My 75-y-o grandfather was diagnosed with AML today...?!
Question: and I am devastated. He has always been a very healthy man (seems about 60 not 75) and this came on very suddenly. He was told that he would die within weeks with no treatment or less than a year with chemo. In my heart I want to believe that he can overcome this and live longer than a year but I really don't know what the odds are. I feel so, well, I can't describe how I am feeling today. My whole world has been turned upside down. My grandmother (his wife) is in poor health and he has been caring for her so now we are worried about both of them. Has anyone been in this position? Does he have a chance of fighting this cancer and beating the odds? The worst part is that my Dad was killed 11 years ago in an accident (these are my Mom's parents) so if they die my Mom will have no one left but her kids. She is terrified and devastated too and it breaks my heart to see her sad like this.
Answers: and I am devastated. He has always been a very healthy man (seems about 60 not 75) and this came on very suddenly. He was told that he would die within weeks with no treatment or less than a year with chemo. In my heart I want to believe that he can overcome this and live longer than a year but I really don't know what the odds are. I feel so, well, I can't describe how I am feeling today. My whole world has been turned upside down. My grandmother (his wife) is in poor health and he has been caring for her so now we are worried about both of them. Has anyone been in this position? Does he have a chance of fighting this cancer and beating the odds? The worst part is that my Dad was killed 11 years ago in an accident (these are my Mom's parents) so if they die my Mom will have no one left but her kids. She is terrified and devastated too and it breaks my heart to see her sad like this.
Acute myelogenous leukemia is a bad disease to have at any age, but age 75 is particularly bad news. It would be dishonest to paint a rosy picture here. We can always hope for the best, but I would prepare myself for the worst in this situation. There is a small chance that he could get into a complete remission and make it a year or more, so there is a window for hope. It will not be easy. You will all need to support each other.
If it is indeed AML, it must be treated with aggressive chemotherapy for him to have any chance at all. The trouble is that 75 year olds do not bounce back from aggressive chemotherapy as well as younger patients. The risk of overwhelming infections and bleeding episodes is high. Expect a long period of time on the hospital.
Very sorry to hear about this - for all of you.
Honestly, it really depends on what stage the AML was caught at.
If you know it, add it, and I might be able to tell you more..
My favorite surgeon who is about your grandfather's age was diagnosed with AML a few weeks ago and this has been crushing news to us. Since I had helped take care of my next door neighbor with AML prior to his death I was already aware of how dire the prognosis is and how few treatment options are available for elderly patients. Spend as much time with your grandfather right now as you can and treasure your time together. Take good care of your mother & grandmother. I'm sorry.
all the best to you and your family